The town has always enjoyed independence and was hostile to the Misrata Brigades, the main military force of the Government of National Accord. The respect that al-Juwaili commands likely played a large role in the refusal of most of the elders to support K. Haftar. By mid-April, the Libyan Army/Government of National Accord had a firm grip on the city, turning it into an operational base. A week earlier, the same issue was discussed at a meeting between K. Haftar and the Prime Minister of Italy. One was expressed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who condemned the actions of K. Haftar and called for an end to the offensive.

Source: Libya Today June 15, 2019 09:56 UTC